However, the 2018 event has the potential to be twice as spectacular, as for the first-time ever, we will witness a Women's Royal Rumble. While Stephanie McMahon's ego-boosting announcement of this will haunt my nightmares for a few weeks yet, it is undoubtedly a historical moment and one that is long overdue in this Women's Evolution.
Like the men's event, 30 women will compete for a title opportunity at WrestleMania 34 against Raw or SmackDown's Women's Champions (currently Alexa Bliss and Charlotte).
With many options to choose from on the main roster, including the potential appearances of women from NXT, the Mae Young Classic and the return of former superstars, narrowing down the first winner is a tough prospect. At least this time it can't be James Ellsworth (I hope).
So, here are who I feel are the Top 10 prospects to win the inaugural Women's Royal Rumble on Sunday January 28 in Philadelphia.
10. Bayley
Already this feels like nothing more than a pipe dream. But despite everything done to strip away her character, popularity and credibility, Bayley still has something that can be harnessed to make her the true star that she should be on the main roster.
NXT showed that with the right booking, Bayley can be the ultimate underdog and a role model to everyone in the WWE Universe. A determined victory after drawing an early number here would go a long, long way to reviving her after her ill-fated arrival on Raw.
9. Ruby Riott
The leader of SmackDown's thrown-together faction, The Riott Squad, it would cement them as a force to be reckoned with if they worked together to secure the victory for Ruby Riott. In a match that has often been built on forging alliances to get an advantage, teammates like Riott, Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan offer a significant advantage.
Personally, I feel it would be way too soon to give Ruby Riott this opportunity, and she has yet to really impress me in both WWE or NXT (although I might be in the minority there). In addition, The Riott Squad has been far from the dominant force they have claimed to be in their nonsensically long promos.
But, if WWE does want to make Riott's group the powerful force on SmackDown Live, this is a great way to do it.
8. Nia Jax
Historically speaking, battle royals favor the biggest competitors. This means Nia Jax, as likely the biggest participant in the Women's Royal Rumble (unless they can recruit Kharma as a surprise appearance) should be considered a logical favorite. She can be the female equivalent of "Who's going to throw The Big Show over the top rope?"
Unfortunately, a lot of Nia Jax's momentum has been stalled in the past year. She was left in limbo as a protected monster, but still not who WWE wanted to push as a champion, while the love story with Enzo Amore has kept her more prominently backstage than in the ring.
At the very least, Nia Jax should be allowed to stand out as a monster in this match and notch a few eliminations before the Rumble is over.
7. Stephanie McMahon
Do not for one second lull yourself into a false sense of security, or think that this cannot possibly happen - it will just hurt all the more if it does. Because, with Shane McMahon becoming SmackDown's most featured star and Triple H gearing up for his annual WrestleMania showcase, why should Stephanie McMahon have to sit on the sidelines?
I mean, Stephanie McMahon announced the Women's Royal Rumble. She's a former WWE Women's Champion. She's still in great physical shape. And if you believe the company narrative, she is almost entirely responsible for the Women's Evolution. Why shouldn't she win the whole thing and challenge for a championship at WrestleMania?
Please don't have this happen - have Stephanie enter if she must, but have Bayley or Asuka eliminate her to start a separate feud. That's what would be best for business.
6. Ember Moon
The current NXT Women's Champion could be a dark horse for this first Women's Royal Rumble, but a lot of pieces would have to fall into place for Ember Moon. She undoubtedly has the talent, but as this would be her introduction to many fans, she would need the right story after her victory.
So, first you'd need Asuka to dethrone Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women's Championship at the Raw 25th Anniversary Show. Then, Ember Moon wins the Royal Rumble and challenges Asuka at WrestleMania 34, title for title.
This could be epic as it not only offers Moon the chance to finally defeat Asuka and prove she can hang with the best in the world, but Asuka can display her dominance by recapturing the belt that she never lost, proving that nobody is ready for her. Either way, it would be a fascinating story, but one that could be saved for next year.
5. Trish Stratus
If any returning legend is to win the Royal Rumble, there is no better option than Trish Stratus. A record seven-time Women's Champion and WWE Hall of Famer, she is unquestionably one of the most popular, revered and revolutionary women to have ever performed for WWE.
A return and victory for Stratus is an opportunity for the Women's Evolution to come full circle - a true pioneer of the Divas generation against one of the modern day's champions. In this regard, I'd say her opponent at WrestleMania 34 would have to be Charlotte Flair.
Charlotte has established herself as the Queen of Women's Wrestling with multiple championship reigns. A clash with Trish Stratus would be a passing of the torch moment in the style of The Rock and Hulk Hogan. It would be a match worthy of calling itself the main event.
4. Paige
This is in a similar vein to my assessment of Ruby Riott's chances, but Paige has a couple of aspects that make her a more viable Royal Rumble winner. She is more tenured, she has a fiercely loyal fan base, is more credible as a former champion, and her faction Absolution has been slightly more protected (although it is only slightly).
Paige is a figure of controversy for many. However, there is no denying she is capable in the ring, has a big presence, and can be relied on to get a reaction from the fans. Of course, a feud over the title between her and Alexa Bliss doesn't sound like a great fit, so there'd have to be a change of champion on the road to WrestleMania.
If anyone can carry herself like a star at WrestleMania and make a Royal Rumble victory her own, it's Paige. Let's just see if she can make it 'her house' at the PPV.
3. Becky Lynch
Out of everyone on the full-time SmackDown roster I can see winning the Women's Royal Rumble, Becky Lynch stands head and shoulders above the rest. Lynch is effortlessly likeable, and since dropping her one and only championship at TLC 2016, there has been very little for her fans to celebrate.
But, while the likes of Bayley and Sasha Banks have waned in their crowd support as a result of bad booking and lack of direction, Lynch has somehow remained an overwhelming babyface. It's a testament to her ability and approachable charisma.
Lynch and Charlotte Flair have a storied history, both as best friends and heated rivals, meaning WWE could make their WrestleMania clash a tale of respect and proving who the better woman is, or push Charlotte towards the dark side to desperately keep hold of her championship.
2. Asuka
The runaway favorite in most people's eyes, and with very good reason. Asuka has the potential to be something very special, and a Royal Rumble win would certainly catapult her towards that level. Already undefeated, outlasting 29 other women would confirm what many already know - Asuka is the future of WWE's Women's Evolution.
Asuka was arguably NXT's biggest star at the moment she was forced to relinquish the NXT Women's Championship and move up to the main roster. On Raw, her rise has hit a couple of snags, but she is definitely being protected. She is one of Triple H's pet projects after all, and that makes her more than worthy of the favorite tag for this historic match.
The one major drawback to Asuka winning the Women's Royal Rumble is how predictable it is. But just because something is predictable doesn't mean you shouldn't do it - it often means it makes sense. So expect The Empress of Tomorrow to secure a spot at WrestleMania 34.
1. Ronda Rousey
Asuka's sure-fire victory is only under threat if this becomes a Rowdy Rumble. Rumors are rampant that Ronda Rousey will soon be signed with WWE, either as a celebrity one-off or as a part-time superstar. While some will bemoan another temporary megastar stealing the spotlight of the regular cast of characters, Rousey would be a game-changer for the Women's Division.
Rousey was at one point the biggest draw in UFC as an undefeated champion, and translated that success into movies and other special appearances. Rousey transcended her sport, something few WWE superstars (male or female) has accomplished. Now her days in the Octagon appear to be over, she can add some shine onto women's wrestling, even if she isn't that great off the bat.
A feud with Charlotte or Asuka for a championship is a legitimate draw for WrestleMania - a main event caliber showdown. People will complain as they always do, but true star power is lacking in WWE right now. Signing and strapping a rocket to Ronda Rousey goes a long way to solving that problem.
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